This pattern is also available as an E-Pattern to print yourself at home. See listings on this page.

A perfect addition to your 1940s wardrobe, these overalls are both functional and fashionable! Every WWII gal needed a pair of trousers or overalls when working toward Victory, and with this pattern you can make this vintage essential for your wardrobe!

This pattern features a lovely V neckline, straps that criss-cross at the back, a set in belt, and trousers with optional front pockets. This can be worn over a blouse (blouse NOT included in this pattern, blouse pictured is from Smooth Sailing pattern), but the overalls hit high enough that you could wear them without a blouse, as in the late 1930's "Farmerette" fashion, or as a playsuit with shorts. The front of the pants have a tuck on each side, which is hidden when the pockets are used. The tuck will be visible if no pockets are used. If made without the top, these make excellent trousers, and when made in denim and with the pockets, they are great 1940's jeans!

Technical Information

This pattern is a Wearing History Resto-Vival pattern based on an original period mail order pattern from the WWII era. Unlike the other Resto-Vival patterns, which are follow the outline of original period pattern pieces, this pattern needed serious corrections in order to make the pattern fit together properly. I have edited, corrected, and improved this pattern so you can be sure the pieces will go together as they should. This pattern retains authentic period fit, including the lower crotch rise length that is different than the rise in today's trousers.

This pattern includes pattern instructions based on on the original instructions. Some notes have been added to the instructions to aid in construction.

This pattern was originally available in Misses sizes 30" bust to 40" bust, but this pattern has been graded to expand the sizes to size 30" bust through 46" bust. Sizes above 40" bust have been supplemented with yardage requirements and cutting charts which were not available in the original pattern.

SIZING

This pattern is in MISSES SIZING. Larger sizes are based off the same misses size pattern and ARE NOT plus size. Plus sizes will most likely require more alterations in order to fit properly.

ORDER BY YOUR MEASUREMENTS, NOT PATTERN SIZE NUMBER

Pattern sizing was different in the 1940s than it is today.

MISSES SIZING

**This pattern runs small in the hip. This pattern has very little ease, and runs small in the hips.Order the next size larger if you need more room in the hip or desire more ease. Refer to the finished garment measurements given below**

If you are between sizes, order your size by your largest measurement, as it is always easier to take a pattern in than add to it.

FINISHED GARMENT MEASUREMENTS

About Wearing History Resto-Vival™ Patterns

Resto-Vival™ Patterns are original historic patterns that have been restored and revived. Original patterns are usually available only in single sizes, precut from tissue paper and totally unprinted, with details like grainlines and darts indicated only by small perforations. Resto-Vival™ patterns are printed on sturdy bond paper instead of tissue and clearly marked with drawn and labeled markings. These markings aid the modern sewer in understanding the markings of the original pattern and the construction of the garment. Resto-Vival™ patterns follow the period shapes of the original patterns, maintaining the historical accuracy of the completed garment. Original period instructions are included. These instructions are text only (unless otherwise noted) and fairly minimal, especially compared to instructions for modern patterns. At least an intermediate knowledge of dressmaking and a good familiarity with pattern construction is suggested. You may choose to have a modern or period sewing book handy to help with basic construction methods that the pattern instructions do not cover in detail. Also, fitting a muslin mockup is strongly recommended, as all garments were meant to be worn over period foundation garments or corsetry.

Relatively advanced but well written pattern

Posted by Unknown on Oct 27th 2016

I'm an advanced-beginner sewist, so I haven't tried sewing up this pattern yet, but I did a trace-off and a paper fitting and it's well drafted. The directions are clear and complete. The paper printing is high quality and is designed for many years of use.

5

wonderful pattern

Posted by Maranda on Jul 20th 2016

This has got the be the best trouser pattern I have came across. It was easy to put together and the instructions are clear and easy to follow. I have a feeling this one will get a lot of use in my wardrobe.

5

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Posted by Fräulein Anneliese on Apr 13th 2016

I have to say, I absolutely adore this pattern.
I’ve made garments from it two times already.
Simple trousers and a Jumpsuit. (see photo)
It is true, that you must be careful when choosing your size. I should’ve chosen the size by my bust measurement and not my hip measurement. It is a bit tight around the bust, even though I’ve shifted the buttons a little.
Nonetheless, everything else went smoothly and I did not once thought there was something odd or something didn’t match.
I am very pleased with the pattern and would recommend it to everyone!
You can find more pictures of the jumpsuit here:
http://melonplay.blogspot.de/2015/08/jumpsuit-wearing-history.html
(You can see Fräulein Anneliese's photo in the gallery)

5

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Posted by Stephanie T. on Apr 13th 2016

’ve already left a regular review above but I wanted to add a photo of one of the things I’ve made. I’ve made overalls, shorts, pants and the playsuit option and I just adore this pattern! You can see my overalls in the pattern photos above but here are my shorts paired with a blouse I made from a vintage pattern.
(You can see Stephanie's Photo in the Gallery)

5

I AM LIVING FOR THESE OVERALLS!!

Posted by Capi Zabala on Apr 13th 2016

I am living for these overalls! The fit is amazing, they seem to just hug the body so well, and are so feminine. I purchased the paper version and the quality of paper the pattern is printed on is fantastic! My only regret is the challenges I hit when it was time to add the facing/placket on the side. I put the front facing in backwards and had to rip it out after I’d serged and top stitched. I am definitely making them again, and am planning the trousers without the overalls portion!

5

FANTASTIC!

Posted by kellie on Apr 13th 2016

I’ve been waiting for a pattern like this for years and you didn’t disappoint! The sizing is good, instructions are easy to follow and end result was fantastic! Thanks so much for having this available. I can’t wait to try more patterns . Loved you so much I blogged about you. http://makeitwithme-kell.blogspot.ca/2013/08/i-received-this-wearing-history-pattern.html

5

SO VERSATILE AND CUTE- GREAT FOR PLUS SIZES TOO

Posted by Brittany Sherman on Apr 13th 2016

I am so in love with this pattern! I made the jeans and overalls both in denim in size 44. The jeans came together so quick and I didn’t need to make any pattern adjustments at all. The overalls required a few small alterations in the bust and waistband because I fall between sizes but still turned out beautifully with easy to follow instructions. I will be sewing these in all kinds of colors and fabrics to prepare for fall and winter. See the photos on the blog
http://www.vavoomvintageblog.com/2013/07/wearing-history-overalls.html

5

CUTE 40S DENIM

Posted by Stephanie on Apr 13th 2016

Love this pattern! Not only can you do so much with it (overalls, pants, shorts and playsuit), it’s so stinking cute! This pattern gives a really flattering shape and a bit of girliness with the sweetheart neckline. I do recommend a muslin. The pattern does have a period 40s rise which may feel a bit odd to someone who’s used to modern jeans. I didn’t end up adjusting the rise on my pair but if you prefer a more modern rise, you will want to adjust it. I was between hip sizes so I went with the larger size and I had plenty of room.

So far, I’ve made a pair of shorts and overalls in denim and a linen playsuit and I really want to try a pair of jeans next!